You delivered me from strife with the people; you made me the head of the nations; people whom I had not known served me.
David came to the throne through almost insurmountable trials, and foreign enemies harassed him even into old age. Rather than boast of his own victories, he exalts God as the true author of them, showing that his reign prefigures Christ's kingdom, one that will triumph over all resistance by the Father's incomprehensible power.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 18:1-50
Repetition in prayer and praise is never empty; it only deepens. Like wine growing richer on the lees, gratitude strengthens as we turn His mercy over and over in our hearts. These verses are golden fruit in silver baskets, showing the believer's victorious path and his enemies' rout.
AI summary
Commenting on Psalm 18:29
"Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people." Internal strife is very hard to deal with. A civil war is war in its most miserable form; it is a subject for warmest gratitude when concord rules within. Our poet praises Jehovah for the union and peace which smiled in his dominions, and if we have peace in the three kingdoms of our spirit...